(20 May 2022, 2:08 pm)Adrian wrote It's swings and roundabouts. If I was to use the train, I've got to factor in the cost of travel to/from Newcastle or Durham to catch the said train. With the X11 ticket, my connecting journeys are covered as part of that, wherever on the GNE network they may be.

The X10/X93 is a good point too. If people don't want to pay the premium for a more direct service, then there's the indirect option for just over half the price (or free for ENCTS holders)

I agree, getting to and from Newcastle is key to all of this and a factor to take in to account.
But as an example, the GNE duo ticket (excellent value for money), will cost £7.95. If the kids are there, most in T&W would opt a Nexus Cat day ticket each. 
It's only when you combine that with the most expensive train ticket via Darlington, it just starts to come close to the cost of a £50 family ticket on the X11.

There's massive savings on a duo ticket + a two together railcard to Whitby and back vs two X11 tickets. Enough for fish and chips, with change left over!